How accurate is this?

[michaeljoe]

I'm wondering how true or accurate is this statement. I like the O27 gauge Lionel trains. I see a lot of Facebook advertisements that says 0 gauge will work with O27 gauge.

 

[Espeefan]

I'd say it's reasonably accurate, but you do have to watch AI! it's not as smart as it thinks it is. Some O gauge may work on O27, but you'll need to be aware of truck and coupler swing, locomotive wheelbases and such. Your mileage may vary!

 

[Boris]

Lionel O-27, is best left to O-27, Marx O-42 (similar except for wider curves), NYC 4-6-4, did not tolerate Lionel O-27 curves or switches. O generally operates on O-31 curves. Much of the newer Lionel semi scale stuff doesn't work on O-31 or O-36 either.

 

[Bruette]

I'm wondering how true or accurate is this statement.

The short answer is yes, it is accurate; O gauge and O27 are not the same.

All Lionel O-Gauge track systems which include O, O-27, Super O and FasTrack measure 1.25 inches between the outer rails. Any O-Gauge car or locomotive can ride on any Lionel O-Gauge track, if the curve track used on your layout can accommodate your locomotive and or rolling stock's minimum curve rating.

You must know the minimum curve rating of the locomotive and or rolling stock you are using.

Welcome to the wonderful (and confusing) world of O Gauge trains.

Classic Lionel O‑27 locomotives and rolling stock are generally shorter, lighter, and have trucks/couplers designed to handle the sharper curves. Many Lionel starter sets (1940s–2003) came with O‑27 track and trains sized for it.

Modern Lionel O-Gauge is divided into two categories: Traditional O-Gauge and O Scale. Lionel no longer makes O27 track, locomotives or rolling stock. However, most locomotives and rolling stock rated for modern O31 curves will work on O27 track, but there are a few exceptions!

Traditional O-Gauge

• Based on classic Lionel designs
• Approximate scale proportions, slightly smaller than 1:48 scale proportions.
• Lionel’s popular Ready-to-Run sets are Traditional O-Gauge.

O Scale

• Higher-end products
• Larger than Traditional O-gauge products since they are more true to 1:48 scale proportions
• Geared towards collectors and sophisticated hobbyists

Lionel’s O27 tubular track is measured by the overall diameter (27”) of a full circle, from the outside edges.

Lionel FasTrack curves are measured from the center rail to the center rail. Overall diameter will be about 4–5 inches larger than the rated curve. FasTrack was introuced in 2003.

I see a lot of Facebook advertisements that says 0 gauge will work with O27 gauge.

If you stick with O27 locomotives and rolling stock you won’t have any problem with O27 tubular track or any modern Lionel FasTrack.

I like the O27 gauge Lionel trains.

I do too!

I especially like the colorful products during Lionel's MPC era. (1970 – 1986) I can tell you from experience they all work with Lionel's FasTrack and with Lionel's tubular track. That is provided they are not Lionel’s Standard O trains first introduced in the 1970s. They were eventually replaced by Lionel's O Scale trains.

Lionel “Standard O” refers to Lionel’s line of full O‑scale proportion trains. These models were built much closer to true 1:48 scale than their smaller “Traditional” O‑gauge counterparts. They run on the same 3‑rail O‑gauge track, (check the minimum curve) but are noticeably larger, longer, and more detailed.

 

[Iron Horseman]

I'm wondering how true or accurate is this statement. I like the O27 gauge Lionel trains. I see a lot of Facebook advertisements that says 0 gauge will work with O27 gauge.

I would shorten all that to say, O-gauge (O31) will fit on O27 track, but it might not go around the corners. Including those corners in a turnout.

All my new O-gauge stuff says on the box the minimum curve is. For example my Polar Express is O54 min.

 

[Bruette]

I would shorten all that to say,

Where is the fun in that?